The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for picketing its party secretariats nationwide, labeling the action as “unlawful.” The NLC’s protests targeted the LP’s national convention, slated for the end of this month, and demanded the removal of the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure.
Scores of NLC members staged protests at the LP national headquarters in Abuja and state secretariats across the country, demanding leadership changes within the party. However, they were met with resistance from security personnel stationed at the LP offices.
In Ebonyi State, the NLC chapter picketed the state secretariat of the LP, citing grievances against the national leadership’s handling of party affairs. Comrade Ogugua Egwu, the NLC Chairperson in Ebonyi, led the demonstration, accusing the LP’s national leadership of bypassing due processes and disregarding the NLC’s authority.
In response, the LP issued a statement denouncing the NLC’s actions as criminal and counterproductive. Obiorah Ifoh, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, criticized NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero for what he deemed as greed and an abuse of power. Ifoh questioned Ajaero’s legitimacy in leading protests against a recognized independent political party and accused him of partisan interests in other major political parties.
The LP clarified that the NLC’s claim of ownership over the Labour Party lacked legal basis and emphasized that political parties are owned by their card-carrying and financial members. Ifoh highlighted the NLC’s failure to address pressing national issues affecting workers, such as poor wages and insecurity, while engaging in political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, the conflict escalated with accusations from the LP’s National Working Committee against Joe Ajaero, alleging his ambition to replace Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman. The LP rejected the NLC’s directive to picket party secretariats, describing it as a violation of the party’s constitution and an attempt to undermine its autonomy.
In a separate development, Prof. Pat Utomi, leader of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), called for a ceasefire among the feuding factions within the LP. Utomi urged stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and consultation to resolve internal conflicts and ensure the party’s continued success.
As tensions persist, the LP faces the challenge of maintaining unity and stability while navigating through internal disagreements and external pressures. The outcome of these developments will likely shape the future direction of the party and its role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
